Something wonderful is coming to Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood this summer, and you won’t want to miss a magical moment of the fun!
The Beverly/Morgan Park Wizarding Weekend will be held Thurs., July 21 through Sun., July 24, featuring inspired collaborations among the community’s businesses, restaurants, and institutions who are conjuring up events, classes, entertainment, and treats inspired by some of the world’s favorite wizarding novels.
More than a dozen neighborhood small businesses, as well as the local library, and individuals with amazing abilities are putting the abracadabra into developing the all-ages entertainment, specialty shopping, family dining and feasting, and all-ages activities. Costumed characters, strolling magicians, and spirited sprites will all be part of the fantastical event.
Here’s an idea of what is planned
Trivia night magical trivia play-off is Fri., July 22, Cork and Kerry Tavern.
Chicago Public Library Beverly Branch, 1962 W. 95th St. will host reading activities based on the books about everybody’s favorite boy wizard and a little hocus pocus in creative crafts for all ages. The Bookies, 10324 S. Western, is also plotting reading adventures.
The Open Outcry house elves will prepare a delicious menu that’s sure to lure fantastic beasts into the magical world of flavors and potions for the halfway to Christmas Great Hall feast on Thurs., July 21. On Sat., July 22, grown-ups are invited for music and potent beverages at Barney Callaghan’s Pub. Horse Thief Hollow Brewpub will serve up a spellbinding brunch with specialty brews on Sun., July 24. These two special menu sit-down meals will be by reservation and ticketed.
Festival activities will be offered throughout the community Sat., July 23, 10 a.m. through Sun., July 24. The schedule includes entertaining magic and magical classes at the Givins Beverly Castle, games with the Loyola University Chicago Quidditch team at Morgan Park Academy; otherworldly treats and specialties at local businesses, and all manner of illusions and alchemy throughout the neighborhood.
Check-in for Wizarding Weekend is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat., July 23 at Morgan Park Academy, Alumni Hall, 2153 W. 111th St., where people will pick up admission maps.
Watch for more exciting details as the ideas appear!
The Wizarding Weekend is co-sponsored by Beverly Area Planning Association, 19th Ward Office, Beverly Arts Center, Morgan Park Academy, Beverly Bank & Trust, Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association and 95th Street Business Association and a host of businesses and institutions.